Changes of cerebrospinal fluid in the upper neck area with age using diffusion weighted MR imaging

Abstract

Purpose: Few studies have concerned the absolute apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in the normal cerebrospinal fluid in the upper neck area and the effect of aging on diffusion. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes of cerebrospinal fluid in the upper neck area with age using diffusion weighted MR imaging (DWI).

Methods and methods: Our study included 160 patients who underwent MR imaging for oral and maxillofacial diseases. All patients were examined by DWI with 2 b values (0 and 800 sec/mm²) at 1.5 Tesla and ADC maps. The cerebrospinal fluid and spinal cord in the upper neck area were analyzed using the ADC values and age.

Results: ADC value of cerebrospinal fluid was significantly correlated to ADC value of spinal cord (R² = 0.141, p = .000). ADC value of spinal cord had no relation to age (R² = 0.015, p = .125). ADC value of cerebrospinal fluid had significant relation to age (R²= 0.026, p = .042).

Conclusions: We indicated the changes of cerebrospinal fluid in the upper neck area with age using DWI. The data reported herein are representative, and the ADC values can be used for reference in future studies and in clinical settings.